Slaley, Northumberland

Slaley Leek Club seeks new members

Slaley Leek Club would welcome anyone in the parish wanting to join the leek club. The leek club is a sociable affair! Members meet every other Sunday for the 'Forecast draw' in the Rose and Crown at 8.30 pm. Darts and domino nights , a Ceilidh night and a barbecue are held during the year.
Growing show leeks is quite simple, growing winners a 'black art' ! The leeks are usually planted outside around June and the leek show is held in the Commemoration Hall on the first Saturday in October. That might seem like a long wait to see if you have grown a winner!! But that's all part of the fun.
The Leek Club can order you some leeks and this needs to be done in December. A local garden center will reserve them for you until you collect them, which can be as late as May if you don't have a heated greenhouse.

The Leek Club Show day includes open classes for Flowers, Vegetables and Childrens entries and it is planned to encourage as many local people as possible to enter their prize exhibits. The Slaley School grew leeks, vegetables and even Veggie creatures last year and will be doing the same again this year.
Now is the time to join so if you would like to join the Slaley Leek Club please contact Sid Davison on 673681, Brian Wilson 673043 or Ros Doonan on 673173.

Future Computer Use in the Hall

Many people have used the computer equipment in the Commemoration Hall since it was installed in March 2003, and have benefited from the support given by Tynedale Council. They have paid the costs of the broadband connection, and helped with the maintenance of the computers, printers and other equipment. This has been managed locally by Michael Elphick (initially with assistance from Pat Wilson and others).
From January 2007, however, this support will cease. The equipment will be handed over to the Hall, for the use and the benefit of the community, but all running costs (including the cost of the broadband connection) will have to be met by us.
Earlier this year a number of people volunteered to take part in the “First Time Online” programme, and in this way raised the sum of £1165. This will be enough to pay the running costs for the next 2 or 3 years or so. There are plans to put on some more short courses, including digital photography.
The Hall Committee, and especially Michael, would like to know whether there is general support for the continuation of this service, or whether the money raised should be used for other activities in the Hall. You can make your views known in a number of ways:

• By completing the questionnaire you will find in the December Parish Magazine (distributed free to every household)
• By telephone (01434 673443)
• By email to editor@slaley.org.uk
• Leave a comment on this entry (at the bottom of this section)

Slaley's shopkeepers are the "Pride of Tynedale" !

If you haven't already heard, Margaret and Roy Ward are the winners in the Retailers section of the "Pride in Tynedale" awards! As the Courant said this weekend, they were "nominated for their unique service to the people of Slaley, Healey and Hexhamshire". We are sure that everyone will join in congratulating them.
At the awards ceremony at the Racecourse, which they were unable to attend (being busy in the shop!), Slaley Notes correspondent Jean Elphick received the award on their behalf. Following the ceremony, Jean then handed over the trophy and framed certificate to a surprised Margaret [click on the image for a larger version]:


Later next week, the Hexham Courant will be publishing their own pictures of the winners, including Margaret (together with Roy, we hope).